Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Queen Charlotte Islands deer hunt (picture heavy)

Well we are back from our vacation, which also included some deer hunting. This was my third trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands, although the last trip was 14 years ago. My wife had never been, so we decided to make it into a vacation/exploration trip more so than a hunting trip.

The Queen Charlotte Islands are about 70 miles off the coast of British Columbia and, combined are just over 3900 square miles. The islands offer incredible scenery, and an amazing bounty from the ocean and land.

The ferry leaves from Prince Rupert, which is a 430 mile drive for me. The drive goes through some spectacular scenery (and great fishing/hunting spots). This is a narrow section of the Morice River,just north-west of Smithers, where natives use long dip nets to catch salmon:




The road leads West along the beautiful Skeena River. The Skeena is the second longest river in BC at about 350 miles and is also the second largest Sockeye salmon river in Canada. The river is well known for excellent fishing for all 5 species of Pacific salmon and Steelhead. The mountains along the Skeena also hold some excellent Mountain Goat hunting, but the terrain is trecherous, especially when it is raining (which is often). Here is a view of the river just west of Terrace:





We arrived in Prince Rupert and had the day to look around this charming little town.I have to say that Dolly's restaurant, which is a tiny little place that seats barely 20 people, had the most amazing fish and chips I have ever eaten. Battered just right, crispy batter and delicate, moist fish without being greasy...you have to try it if you are in Prince Rupert. I guess having Ling Cod and Halibut fresh off the boat a mere 100 yards away helps too! They also served a fantastic clam chowder (I had the New England style) that, interestingly, has seaweed in it too. Historic Cow Bay in Prince Rupert:




That evening we loaded onto the ferry (remember that reservations are required) and went to our cabin for the +8 hour trip.
Map:


We were gently rocked to sleep in our basic, but comfortable cabin:



We woke up, had a fresh cup of coffee and were ready go. Our dog, a 7 month old Airedale pup nearly blew an o-ring when we let her out of her crate. BC Ferries rules say the dogs must stay on the vehicle deck so she "slept" in her over-sized crate in the back of the truck. It was the longest she has ever been alone.

Here is a view of the mountains and some Oceanic Alpine looking West from Skidigate (which is where the ferry lands):


Continued....